Apple has changed its US App Store rules to allow apps to link users to their own websites, allowing them to purchase subscriptions and other digital products.
The change comes after a US court ruled in favor of the epic game in a case against iPhone makers, the latter ordered that apps not be banned from including features that allow them to redirect to their websites for digital purchases.
“The app review guidelines have been updated to comply with US court decisions regarding app buttons, external links, and other calls to action,” Apple said in a blog post.
The 2020 lawsuit brought by Epic Games involves a greater amount of control than Apple's transactions made on apps hosted on the App Store. In 2021, the game studio got an injunction that ordered Apple to give developers more options to redirect users to their website.
After the appeal against the injunction failed, Apple began last year allowing other apps to link out and use non-apple payment mechanisms, but still cost a 27% fee, adding what critics call “Scare Screens.”
This week's ruling means Apple must stop displaying these “scary screens” and the company has already removed guidelines on how certain languages should be included in these screens and links.
I asked Apple to confirm whether they would like to stop charging the app for payment fees made via external links.
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As for Apple, it's not satisfied with the ruling. “We strongly oppose this decision. We will comply with the court's order and appeal,” the company said in a statement.
Spotify is fighting Apple on the same issue in various regions, but has already submitted versions of the app to the US app store using links to allow users to purchase subscriptions externally.